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Heartwings Love Notes 1016 - Cooking with Circumstance

Heartwings says, "Making do with what you have is a thrifty way to live."

The Christmas season was very busy for us, though as I look back, wonder how the days were so full. I even had help. A dear friend helped Stephen wrap our presents, a blessing, as my hands are not as dexterous as they used to be. And I do move more slowly, taking more time to do everyday tasks. Still, each day was so full that I didn't get any Christmas cards off! I did send some internet cards. In them I explained to the folks who sent me cards why I didn't reply. As well, I told them how much I appreciated the cards I did receive.

I also did very little shopping for groceries, and what I did was often on line, with delivery. The spread of covid makes me reluctant to leave my home. I have memories of my mother getting groceries delivered when I was little, and my children of course do not, because it went out of style many years ago. Now it is back, and who could have predicted that would happen? However, navigating the websites to figure out how to get what I want, as well as get things delivered properly has proven to be a learning experience my mother was fortunate not to have to deal with.

I find that I am doing more cooking from scratch because I'm home to do it. I've always liked to cook so that's not a problem. I'm also using up some of the items in my pantry I've had for a while, which is all to the good. I soon need to take the time to clear my pantry shelves and look for items that may have gone into hiding under other items. Too, the shelves in my pantry are open and things may have fallen down behind them and need to be retrieved.

Today I made a really good new rice pudding I hope you'll try. Here is the simple recipe: Coconut Rice Pudding

¾ cup uncooked white rice

1 ½ cups water

2 ½ cups coconut milk, divided

½ cup sugar

½ tsp orange zest, vanilla or cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup chopped or mixed dried fruit, chopped dates, or raisins

Method: Combine rinsed rice and 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, cook for 20 min. Stir in 2 cups coconut milk, sugar, and flavoring. Bring heat back up to boiling, then lower to simmer. Cook 20 min or so, until creamy, stirring frequently. In a smaller bowl stir together and beat ½ cup milk and 1 egg. Fold into rice mixture and stir well, cooking for 5 more minutes. Pour into a bowl and add flavorings and fruit, except if pomegranate, hold until serving. Refrigerate several hours or serve warm. It's even better the next day.

May you find much to be grateful for as you use up what you have..

Got any easy recipes to share? Food stories to tell? I so appreciate your comments and thoughts. Please write to me at tashahal@aol.com, and for more love notes, check out www.heartwingsandfriends.com. Thanks!
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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